Donald "Don" Albert Bradshaw

Donald “Don” Albert Bradshaw, 81, longtime resident of Montesano, where he was very well known and deeply rooted in the community, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

Born on July 13, 1945, in Ellensburg, Washington to parents Dwight and Bernice (Stewart) Bradshaw. Don graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1962. He moved to Montesano, where he met the love of his life and best friend, Jane Wouters. The two were married on July 25, 1970, in Montesano. Together they built a beautiful life and raised 3 children: their daughter, Marlo, and their 2 sons, Brian and Todd. Don and Jane made their home in Montesano where they continued to build their life and raise their family. Don began his career at Sprouse-Reitz Department Store before he accepted a transfer to the Oak Harbor Store. He and Jane lived in Oak Harbor for a few years before moving back to Montesano where Don started working with Weyerhaeuser. He eventually found his true calling in the fire service, beginning as a volunteer firefighter. A career he was immensely proud of, Don rose through the ranks from volunteer to a full-time firefighter and ultimately served as Fire Chief. After years of dedicated service to his community, he retired in 2000.

Don was a proud member of Moose Lodge #1210 and enjoyed spending his free time fishing, hunting, and camping. Some of his favorite memories were made during vacation camping trips at Waterfront at Potlatch, creating lasting memories with those he loved. Don was a true social butterfly who never met a stranger. He enjoyed visiting with friends, sharing stories, and was the happiest when surrounded by people. He was meticulous and exceptionally organized; everything had its place. Intelligent, detail-oriented, and driven, Don took great pride in his work, his family, and his community. Well known and deeply respected, he made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Don’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and service will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Don is preceded in death by both his parents, Dwight and Bernice Bradshaw, and his sister, Susan Heglar

Don is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jane Bradshaw, of the family home; daughter, Marlo Wilson, of Tacoma, Washington; 2 sons: Brian (Nancy) Bradshaw and Todd (Misty) Bradshaw, both of Montesano, Washington; sister, Bette Ekiss, of Ellensburg, Washington; brother-in-law, Gary Heglar, of White Swan, Washington; 7 grandchildren: Tyler Wilson

Lauren Wilson, Sierra Bradshaw, Cody Bradshaw, Rachel Wood, Blake Bradshaw, and Hali Bradshaw; and 2 great-grandchildren, Railee Wilson and Brayden Fairchild.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM located at Moose Lodge- Montesano #1210. 3 Monte-Elma Rd., Montesano, WA 98563. Please visit www.fernhillfuneral.com to leave your memories or notes of condolence for the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.